Make healthy food more appealing, government tells supermarkets

Make healthy food more appealing, government tells supermarkets

In a bid to combat rising obesity rates, the government has announced new plans that will require food businesses to make it easier for customers to access healthy food. Supermarkets and food manufacturers in England will collaborate with the government to encourage shoppers to opt for healthier choices during their weekly grocery trips. The methods to achieve this goal are up to the retailers, which could include offering promotions on nutritious foods, adjusting loyalty programs to promote healthy options, or even changing the layout of stores to highlight healthier products.

The main aim of these plans is to make healthy eating more convenient for consumers and alleviate the strain on the NHS. As part of the initiative, major food retailers will be required to report on their sales of healthy food, although specific targets have not been mandated. This effort is just one of many intended to enhance the overall health of the population, which will be outlined in the forthcoming 10-year plan for the NHS in England.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of curbing the escalating costs and demands on the NHS by promoting healthier lifestyles. The government’s aspiration is to ensure that today’s children become the healthiest generation ever. Current statistics indicate that over 20% of children leaving primary school are obese, with nearly one in three from the most deprived areas falling into this category.

The government’s approach, which encompasses various strategies such as incentivizing physical activity and healthy eating through shopping vouchers, expanding the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, and implementing stricter regulations on alcohol advertising, aims to reduce overall sugar and calorie consumption. Research suggests that small reductions in daily calorie intake can have a significant impact on obesity levels. Despite the potential impact of these measures, experts caution that a comprehensive strategy is necessary, as unhealthy foods remain cheap and readily available in local convenience stores and takeaways

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